The Recommended
type: channel
link: https://www.therecommended.com
description: Your source for expert recommendations and advice.
date: 2023-08-15T16:08:17.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: The best kettlebells, recommended by personal trainers
items: The best skipping ropes, recommended by jump rope experts
items: The best exercise mats for your home workouts, recommended by personal trainers
items: The best resistance bands, recommended by personal trainers
items: The best yoga mats, recommended by expert yoga teachers
items: How to clean your yoga mat, according to a yoga teacher
items: Regeneration after exercise: how to optimise recovery and build muscle
items: Beginners guide to HIIT workouts: how to start high-intensity interval training
items: Is hula hooping a good workout?: benefits and tips explained
items: 5 best ab exercises for a flat stomach

The best kettlebells, recommended by personal trainers
type: item
date: 2023-08-15T11:00:16.000Z
creator: Luke Chamberlain
subject: Fitness
subject: Exercise
subject: weights
description: We spoke to some top personal trainers to put together our list of the best kettlebells to buy to add some variety to your home workouts
encoded: If you're looking to buy fitness equipment to use at home then a kettlebell is essential. Whether you’re just starting out and looking to explore home fitness for the first time, or you’ve been lifting for years and want to upgrade your home gym, this versatile weight can be used in hundreds of different exercises to improve your strength and fitness. Not only do kettlebell exercises add variety to your workouts and increase strength, but kettlebell movements are also a highly effective way of getting your heart pumping and improving cardiovascular health. However, when it comes to kettlebells not all are made equal and there are some considerations you should make before buying one. To help you navigate this world of kettlebells and inform your purchasing decision, we have spoken to two of the most knowledgeable personal trainers out there. They've helped explain what you should look out for (and avoid) when shopping for kettlebells and some of their favourites on the market. The best kettlebells at a glance: Best overall kettlebell: Body Revolution 2kg Kettlebell, £19.99, Body Revolution Best versatile kettlebell: Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weights and Dumbbells, £228, Very Best kettlebell for experimenting: DKN Unisex's Vinyl Kettle Bell Weight Set, £24.99, Amazon Best kettlebells for beginners: PROIRON Cast Iron Kettlebell Weight, £21.99, Amazon Best kettlebell for heavy lifting: ORIGINAL Cast Iron Kettlebells UK, £59.99, Original Kettlebell Best kettlebell for technical movements: Pro Fitness 20kg Cast Iron Kettlebell, £55, Argos Best colour variety: Body Revolution Kettlebells, £39.99, Amazon Best kettlebell for home gyms: Bionic Body Soft Kettle Bell with Handle, £22.50, Exercise Best kettlebell for one-armed movements: ATOM BELLS Competition Kettlebell, £45, Gymstuff Best kettlebell for grip: Yes4All Single Vinyl Coated Kettlebell, £19.02, Amazon The best kettlebells Best overall kettlebells: Body Revolution Kettlebell Easy storage These kettlebells tick …

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The best skipping ropes, recommended by jump rope experts
type: item
date: 2023-08-14T13:29:46.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Fitness
subject: Exercise
description: Skipping ropes are a handy, all-in-one fitness accessory that you can take with you on the go for a quick cardio workout. But with a range of ropes on offer, which style should you choose? The Recommended spoke to jump rope experts to find out.
encoded: A staple of the playground and the boxing ring, skipping - or jump rope, if you prefer the American term - is a straightforward but rewarding exercise that can be used for everything from a quick warm-up, an intense fitness session, or simply performing tricks and having fun. But before you head out and buy a skipping rope for yourself, there are certain things you should look out for to ensure you pick a rope that’s suitable to your skill level and that helps you develop good technique. Not only will this enable you to reap the rewards of more efficient cardio sessions and avoid injury, but it will help you to incorporate new tricks into your routine as you become more confident. To help you master everything from basic jumps to side swings, crossovers and double unders, The Recommended spoke to three skipping experts to find out what you should look out for (and avoid) when shopping for a skipping rope. You can read their expert advice in full at the bottom of this page, and we've included a helpful buyer's guide, answering some of your burning questions. For the ultimate guide on why skipping should be your new favourite workout, check out our comprehensive guide on skipping tips and benefits for physical and mental health. The best skipping ropes at a glance: Best jump rope for beginners: Dope Ropes Signature Beaded Jump Rope, £19.99 at Dope Ropes Best skipping rope for cardio: The Dope Rope 2.0 - Cardio Fitness Jump Rope, £19.99 at Dope Ropes Best intermediate jump rope: TORQ Ropes Current, £22 at TORQ Best skipping rope for families: MoKo Jump Rope Soft Beaded Skipping Rope (2 Pack), £11.99 at Amazon Best minimal skipping rope: Alfya Skipping Rope Adult, £4.75 at Amazon Best skipping rope for fancy footwork: EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0, £27.29 at Amazon Best jump rope for speed: Beast Gear Speed Skipping Rope Adult for Women and Men, £19.99 at Amazon Best budget skipping rope: Gritin Skipping Rope, £5.99 at Amazon Best for multiple jumpers: MoKo 16ft Jump Rop…

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The best exercise mats for your home workouts, recommended by personal trainers
type: item
date: 2023-08-14T10:27:40.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Fitness
subject: Exercise
description: When it comes to exercise mats, we’re spoilt for choice. We spoke to fitness experts to eliminate the guesswork and get their take on what to look out for and what to avoid when finding the best exercise mat for you. We've also answered some of your other most commonly asked questions.
encoded: In recent years, home workouts have revolutionised the way the world approaches fitness. More and more of us are passing on the aggressive music and awkward interactions of the gym and are instead opting to get a sweat on in the comfort of our own bedrooms and living rooms. At-home workouts require at-home equipment, from dumbbells to resistance bands and exercise mats, the right kit can help you progress and keep your exercise routine varied. When looking to buy an exercise mat, there’s a lot to think about. The right exercise mat will reduce pressure on joints, aid balance and be tailored to your needs to support you in reaching your fitness goals. If you’re in the market for an exercise mat (and I mean, why else would you be here?), you’ll know you’re pretty spoilt for choice. Well, at The Recommended, we’ve done our homework. We spoke to two leading fitness experts to get their take on what to look out for and what to avoid when looking for the best exercise mat for you. You can read their expert advice in full at the bottom of this page. We've also put together a handy buyer's guide, answering some of the most commonly asked questions, to help you find the very best mat for you and your needs. And once you've snapped up your brand new exercise mat, check out our guide on full-body workouts to do at home to get into action and put it to the test. The best exercise mats at a glance: Best overall exercise mat: Lululemon The Workout Mat 6mm, £88 at Lululemon Best multipurpose exercise mat: Maximo Exercise Mat, from £10.99 at Amazon Best sturdy exercise mat: John Lewis 10mm Exercise Mat, £25 at John Lewis Best thick exercise mat: XN8 Padded Exercise Mat, £19.99 at Amazon Best exercise mat for travel: Navaris Exercise Mat, £17.99 at Amazon Best non-slip exercise mat: KK Exercise Mat, £19.95 at Amazon Best sweat-proof exercise mat: Pro Fitness 10mm Exercise Mat, £30 at Argos Best exercise mat for kids: Yogi-me Mat, £29.99 at Amazon Best large exercise mat: Karma Fitne…

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The best resistance bands, recommended by personal trainers
type: item
date: 2023-08-11T09:11:22.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Fitness
subject: Exercise
description: Super lightweight and versatile, resistance bands are an all-in-one fitness accessory that allow you to take the gym with you wherever you go. But with a range of materials and resistances on offer, which option should you choose? We spoke to top personal trainers to find out.
encoded: While they might not look like much, resistance bands are a convenient and versatile gym accessory that can bring a range of benefits to your workouts, regardless of your fitness level. Kind on joints but hard on muscles, resistance band sets deliver a low-impact alternative to lifting weights, allowing you to target and isolate specific muscle groups without the need to switch between heavy machines and equipment. But like any gym accessory, resistance bands are not one-size-fits-all. With a variety of materials and resistances to choose from, it’s important to understand which options are best suited to your individual fitness goals. Here at The Recommended, we're on hand to help you out in your decision-making. We've rounded up some of the best resistance bands on the market in a variety of styles and spoke to two of the most knowledgeable personal trainers to find out more. We've put together a handy buyer's guide at the bottom of this page, including what to look for (and avoid) when looking for your next resistance band, according to our experts. We'll also answer some of your most frequently asked questions to bring you the best band to work your muscle groups. For more on how to incorporate resistance bands into your training, check out our guide on how to use resistance bands, with tips from fitness experts, and take your workout up a notch. The best resistance bands at a glance: Best overall resistance bands: TRX Exercise Bands, £24.95 at TRX Best resistance bands for comfort: ELVIRE Fabric Resistance Bands Set, £15.99 at Amazon Best resistance bands for building mass: Protone Resistance Bands Set, £20.99 at Amazon Best resistance bands for toning: Gritin Resistance Bands, £7.89 at Amazon Best resistance bands for versatility: Potok Resistance Exercise Band Kit, £8.59 at Amazon Best resistance bands for high-intensity training: Takemirth Store Resistance Bands Set Exercise Bands, £16.99 at Amazon Best resistance bands for strength training: FitBeast Resist…

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The best yoga mats, recommended by expert yoga teachers
type: item
date: 2023-07-27T11:30:43.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Fitness
subject: Yoga
description: We spoke to some expert yoga teachers to find out which mats will help you perfect your poses and achieve your yoga goals.
encoded: Despite being over 5000 years old and originating in India, yoga is now performed by over 400,000 Brits each week. It is becoming increasingly popular, and if you live in a busy area, you've probably seen people with a yoga mat in hand on their way to a class. Yogis (those who do yoga) will tell you they take part in yoga for the physical and mental benefits that come from the stretching routine. But, if you want to start yoga yourself, you may be put off by notoriously expensive classes and high studio membership fees. Luckily, there are millions of free online classes and videos, which means you can practise yoga from the comfort of your own home - all you need is a mat. Now you're met with your first challenge, finding a good yoga mat. To help you navigate this, The Recommended set out on a quest to find the best. We spoke to two of the most knowledgeable yoga experts to guide us in discovering a mat which will form the perfect foundation for your planks and pigeon poses. The best yoga mats at a glance: Best overall yoga mat: Liforme Original Yoga Mat, £114.50 at Amazon Best multipurpose yoga mat: Umi Yoga Mat, £24.99 at Amazon Best yoga mat for families: <a href="https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mp/manduka/manduka-begin-yoga-mat-5mm-navy-blue/_/R-p-c1fa7143-5b9e-41e3-b9cb-b145b40a681a?mc=c1fa7143-5b9e-41e3-b9cb-b145b40a681a_c195&gclid=CjwKCAjwsvujBhAXEiwA_UXnAGcOx8aPO0866-sx4S7eOnppxnlHelyjJ9TP2T84ayBSxOdsFWNedxoC8jAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_139010140952_c_608415470534_w_aud-439935392134%253Apla-1419847003141_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_x_pla_y_15177021_f_online_o_e5f22273-b590-43c7-bda9-6d8e5433e43c_z_GB_i_en_j_1419847003141_s__e__h_9045946_ii__vi__&utm_term=e5f22273-b590-43c7-bda9-6d8e5433e43c" target="_blank" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer">Manduka Begin Yoga and Pilates Mat, £45 at Argos Best yoga mat for taking to class: Liforme Travel Yoga Mat, £94.95 at Amazon Best yoga mat for travel: Jade Voyager Yoga Mat, £59 at Decathlon Best thick yoga mat: Maximo…

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How to clean your yoga mat, according to a yoga teacher
type: item
date: 2023-07-24T07:30:07.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Fitness
subject: Wellness
subject: Burda
subject: Exercise
subject: Wellbeing
description: Your yoga mat might be harbouring more germs than you realise, but we’ve got the ultimate guide on how and when to clean your yoga mat, with advice from a yoga teacher.
encoded: According to a recent study from FitRated, exercise and gym equipment can be hotspots for germs, harbouring more bacteria than we realise, and this includes your yoga mat. Studies found eight times as many germs on a mat than on a toilet seat! These unwanted microorganisms can lead to skin conditions such as pimples, rashes and fungal infections - not what you want. So, be honest: when was the last time you cleaned your yoga mat properly? Or have you ever even cleaned it at all? We’ve got the ultimate guide on cleaning your yoga mat - from a step-by-step on how to do it and how often to recommended products to help you along the way. We’ve also included top tips from yoga teacher and founder of Yoga Cat, Tristan Post. Read on for all you need to know and get practising your poses, from cobra to downward-facing dog, using your freshly cleaned and hygienic mat. Why is it important to clean your yoga mat? Looking after your yoga mat may not be your top priority, but regularly cleaning and disinfecting it can avoid several negative consequences, Tristan explains. We’ve rounded up some of them below: The mat can become damaged: Your mat may wear out faster if it's not properly looked after. Over time, grease and solid particles such as skin flakes can accumulate on the mat’s surface and in the pores of the material, causing it to lose its grip and compromising your stability and balance in poses. This will result in your slipping more and the mat becoming less durable and shorter lasting. An unpleasant smell can develop: As the mat is used for exercise, it will pick up sweat from its users. Not cleaning it after your workout can result in a build-up, causing an unpleasant odour to linger during your practice and affecting your focus and enjoyment. Skin problems and illness: An uncleaned mat can hold germs and bacteria. These can lead to skin problems such as blemishes or rashes, fungal infections such as athlete's foot and nail fungus, or even flu viruses due to the pres…

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Regeneration after exercise: how to optimise recovery and build muscle
type: item
date: 2023-07-20T13:30:58.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Fitness
subject: Burda
subject: Exercise
description: The ultimate guide to making the most of your workouts by focusing on recovery and rest, while at the same time building muscle.
encoded: When it comes to exercise, it's important to give your body rest periods. By incorporating time into your training plans and routines to rest and recover, you will get the most out of your movements, enhancing your overall performance and ensuring progress on your fitness journey. We’ve done our research and put together this ultimate guide on regeneration after exercise. We’ve looked into the importance of recovery and provided tips on how to optimise your recovery periods, with factors including sleep, diet, massage, as well as active rest time. Read on and follow our top recommendations to support your body after exercise and prevent it from overtraining, overexertion, and consequently injuries. Why is regeneration so important after exercise? After a workout, your body requires a period of rest. This is crucial for replenishing energy stores which have been depleted during exercise, repairing damaged muscle tissues that have been broken down, relieving any tightness, and preventing your body from fatigue. By allowing adequate recovery time, your body will become stronger, your performance will be improved, and it will help with relaxation. If this rest is insufficient or too short, your muscles can become overloaded, preventing their fibres from growing and ultimately hindering muscle growth. How can you improve recovery? There are certain steps you can take to facilitate better and faster muscle recovery. Here are some helpful tips: Rest and recover with a massage Invest in a personal massager, for example, a massage gun, and use it to reduce muscle aches, improve circulation and promote regeneration in recovery. The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro Percussive Therapy Massager is one of our favourites, designed with five intensity levels to offer powerful relief to muscles and lasting up to three hours once fully charged. For more top options with expert recommendations, check out our guide on the best massage guns. Alternatively, you could treat yourself to a professi…

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Beginners guide to HIIT workouts: how to start high-intensity interval training
type: item
date: 2023-07-19T13:30:07.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Fitness
subject: Burda
subject: Exercise
subject: Wellbeing
description: Our tips, tricks and workouts to help new starters enjoy high-intensity interval training.
encoded: If you’re struggling to find time to exercise or come away from the gym feeling you haven’t worked out hard enough, HIIT could be perfect for you. The vigorous training style is sure to make you break a sweat and is focused on helping you burn the most calories in the shortest period of time. It might seem an intimidating thought for fitness beginners to start high-intensity interval training, but with our guide, you can build the confidence to get stuck into a class or start a routine on your own. Here we explain the basics of HIIT, its benefits, and some great exercises to incorporate into your routine. What is HIIT? Before starting a HIIT workout, it’s important to know what it actually involves. HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a form of cardiovascular exercise that involves alternating short, intense bursts of activity with brief recovery periods. During a HIIT workout, you’re meant to push your body to its limits during these intervals by performing strenuous exercises. The aim of the game is to rapidly increase your heart rate and burn calories faster than you usually would in a less intense workout. The short recovery periods between each workout allow you just enough time to catch your breath and prepare for the next intense interval. This way, you can sustain a high level of effort. HIIT sessions are typically shorter in duration than a typical gym workout and can range from 10 to 40 minutes, making them ideal for individuals with busy schedules. Typical exercises performed in a HIIT workout Any exercise performed that is included in a HIIT workout is meant to be intense and raise the heart rate as much as possible. If you’ve never been to a HIIT class before or are trying to craft your own personal routine, then here are some of the exercises most commonly used. Getting to grips with these on their own before putting them together for your first HIIT session can help build your confidence. Here are some common exercises used in HIIT workouts:…

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Is hula hooping a good workout?: benefits and tips explained
type: item
date: 2023-07-18T12:30:37.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Fitness
subject: Burda
subject: Exercise
description: Hula hooping is a fun aerobic exercise that can strengthen and tone your core - so we’ve explored all its benefits and how to do it, plus included top tips to master the moves.
encoded: It may take you back to your childhood obstacle courses, but the hula hoop is back in, and this time for all ages. Not only is it fun, but using a hula hoop for exercise can offer several fitness benefits, from enhancing your coordination and balance to toning your core, burning fat, and sculpting your stomach. All it requires is just yourself and the hoop, and it's easy to use once you’ve got the hang of the movement, making for a great workout whether you’re a beginner or hardcore gym goer. We’ve done our research and put together a super handy guide on hula hooping - from its benefits and finding the right type for you to some helpful top tips to get the most out of your workout. We’ve also included some of our favourite hula hoops on the market to inspire you to get training! The benefits of hula hooping There are several key advantages of incorporating hula hooping into your training routine. These include the following: Improved cardiovascular fitness: By engaging in this aerobic exercise, you’ll get your heart pumping and, over time, increase your lung capacity and overall endurance. Toned core muscles: As you spin the hoop around your waist, your abdominal muscles will be engaged and activated. Over time, your core will become toned and strengthened, with improved muscle definition (abs!). Improved balance and coordination: The movement of hula hooping requires coordination between your upper and lower body. As you move to keep the hoop in position, you’ll develop better balance and enhanced agility. Calorie burning and weight loss: You can burn up to 200 calories in a 30-minute hula hooping session. The constant movement and engagement of your abdominal muscles will increase energy expenditure, which can help shed weight over time. Enhanced flexibility and mobility: The repetitive twisting and keeping the hula hoop in motion can help improve flexibility in your lower back, hips and waist and increase the ease of movement in your body. Enhanced mood and stre…

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5 best ab exercises for a flat stomach
type: item
date: 2023-07-17T14:30:22.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Fitness
subject: Burda
subject: Exercise
description: Tone and strengthen your core with these effective abdominal exercises and achieve a flatter stomach in no time
encoded: Do you dream of flaunting a flat stomach? Well, we’re here to help with five proven exercises to help you tone and strengthen your abs to achieve a washboard stomach. Whether a fitness fanatic or workout beginner, these exercises are designed to target your upper, lower, side and rectus abdominal muscles while burning excess belly fat to give sculpted results. Add them into your routine, and pair them with a healthy balanced diet, and you’ll be on your way to achieving a stronger, flatter stomach. So, grab your exercise mat, and let's dive into these five best ab-sculpting workouts that you can easily do at home. We’ve also included ways to advance them to up the ante, plus looked into the importance of the right diet and understanding belly fat in order to achieve the top results. The 5 best ab exercises We’ve rounded up the following five best exercises which are proven to tone your abs. They will help strengthen the different groups of abdominal muscles and burn excess fat around the stomach. We’ve also helped you with a guide on how to do each one. 1. Plank The Plank is a powerful abdominal toner for strengthening your lower abs, as well as your back muscles and arms. Here’s how to do them: Start by lying flat on your stomach. Raise your upper body, supporting yourself on your forearms. Ensure your elbows are under your shoulders and your thumbs are facing each other. Lift your legs off the floor, balancing on your toes, and engage your abdomen and buttocks. Your body should form a straight line without your abdomen sliding upward. Hold this position for at least 20 seconds (you can extend the time as you become more confident with the move). Rest for a brief moment, then repeat the exercise three times. Tip: To work your side abs, try a modified lateral plank by turning to one side and supporting yourself on one forearm. 2. Mountain climbers Mountain climbers are a classic cardio exercise to target your abs, legs, and glutes. Here's how to do them: Assume the c…

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